Greetings Northlanders,
We’re hearing a lot of bills on the House floor this week. With fewer than four weeks remaining in session, there is still a lot needing to be done.
Sulfate Standard
I took a tough vote on repealing the sulfate standard this week. I voted that way for a couple reasons. First, the 10mg/liter standard has been on the books since 1973 but has never even been written into a permit. By contrast, the current drinking water standard is 250mg/liter.
Last year, the MPCA promulgated a new rule that was found unenforceable by two administrative law judges. I’ve recently had a conversation with the MPCA about finding a workable path forward. We need a standard that works for municipalities and industry. If both are forced to abide by the current standard, the costs to comply will be astronomical.
On Thursday, the MPCA announced that it will be withdrawing the rule to allow for more work on the implementation process. This is the right decision. I’m looking forward to working with stakeholders over the next few weeks to determine the right path forward.
High School Page
Leif Anderson from Lutsen, MN, spent this week at the Capitol as a page. Leif had hands-on access to our state government in action. This is a great program that highlights many different parts of the legislative process and I would encourage anybody who is interested in learning more to read about it by clicking here.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
Saturday, April 28 is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. From 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Minnesotans can drop off leftover opioids in approved drop boxes for proper disposal, no questions asked. This is the recommended method of disposal for opioids as it helps prevent crime, drug abuse, and accidental poisoning.
To find nearby locations, follow this link.
If you have any questions or concerns on legislative matters, please feel free to reach out to me at the Capitol.
Sincerely,
Rob Ecklund
State Representative